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Developing a Healthy Self-Esteem in Your Child
by: Brook Noel
Children with healthy self-esteems try hard in school, get along well with others,
hold a "can-do" attitude about life, and feel positive about their environment.
They can accept ups and downs graciously. The opposite is true of children who suffer
from low self-esteems. These children compare themselves to others and never feel
they have done well enough. They are frustrated easily and fear risk and challenge.
Children with low self-esteems can easily fall prey to peer pressure, eating disorders,
and other dangers.
You can help a child who has a low self-esteem by examining the reasons behind it.
You can also encourage the continuity of those children who have healthy self-esteems.
By using a positive, can-do attitude in your home, you will pass that attitude on
to your child. Try the following ideas to encourage a positive self-esteem:
EXAMINE YOURSELF AND YOUR ATTITUDE
Children learn by example. If you hold a high self-esteem and think positively,
odds are your child will to. If you suffer from a low self-esteem you will need
to examine your current patterns of thinking and work on changing them.
SEEK OUT THE POSITIVE
This does not mean you need to be a Pollyanna but you should search for the positive
side of things. When your child comes to you with a problem, ask questions and pursue
the positive side. The same goes for how you act in your own endeavors. When things
go wrong look for the up side.
RELATE TO YOUR CHILD
Parent's often will sit and tell the humorous stories of their past. There is probably
much more your child would like to hear. When your child comes to you with a dilemma,
share your own experience. Even though you may be years apart your child may find
relief that you have had times of self-doubt and concern.
WHY ASK WHY?
If your child uses statements like "I can't" or other statements that show he is
frustrated or giving up, ask "Why can't you?" Asking these questions may frustrate
your child and you may hear answers like "I don't know... I just can't!" Try bringing
the subject up later when the intensity of the situation has lessened. Then ask
"Earlier today you said you could not solve that puzzle, why don't you think you
could solve it?" By exploring reasons together you may find the source of a low
self-esteem.
IDENTIFY STRENGTHS
Another way to increase self-esteem is to emphasize a child's strong points. If
he is good in art but doesn't do well in sports--work with him and praise him on
his art. By developing a feeling of confidence in one area, that confidence may
spread into another area of a child's life.
PRAISE AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Praise and encouragement are essential vitamins for a child. Encourage all children
and praise them for situations where they put their "all" into it, no matter what
the result. Filling your vocabulary with positive statements and providing a positive
environment are big steps in helping your child build a healthy self-esteem.
Brook Noel is an international, best-selling author and has written over 10 books.
Her works include: I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: surviving, coping, and healing
after the sudden death of a loved one, Grief Steps, The Single Parent Resource and
her newest book The Change Your Life Challenge: A 70 Day Life Makeover Program for
Women To learn more about the challenge that thousands of women have used to improve
relationships, finances, home management, self-esteem, fitness, self-care, stress
and depression you can visit the website at:
http://www.changeyourlifechallenge.com/.
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